MOTW 50: Minoru Suzuki vs Katsuyori Shibata
“M.O.T.W. #50: Minoru Suzuki vs. Katsuyori Shibata” - ink & digital illustration
Hi friends! I’m back for the big ol’ 50th edition of our ‘Match of the Week’ illustration series & this week, we’re going back to last week because I’m not quite done with Takayamania Empire just yet.
This awe-inspiring chop-fest of a match also took place at Takayamania Empire III on September 3rd, 2024 at KorakuenHall, Tokyo. The official main event of Suzuki’s Takayama tribute & fundraising show.
So I really struggled last week to pick between the absolutely heartwarming display that wound up being last weeks’ M.O.T.W. & this one. But then I figured I can always just do both!
Featuring two of my top-tier long-term favourites, I knew this was going to totally rule as soon as it was announced & it definitely did not disappoint. I think the main things that I loved so much about this was the simplicity & heart of this match. Essentially a non-stop chop-fest with a bit of great wrasslin' either side. I swear this never ending chop battle itself went for the better part of 20 minutes! And it was glorious!
When you watch a lot of Professional Wrestling, you see a lot of incredibly elaborate & impressive stuff. All seemingly trying to outdo one another. One more athletically impressive & complexly choreographed than the last. Then you get something like this that is just so beautiful in its simplicity.
I’d like to think that this never-ending blistering battle of pectoral punishment represented Takayama’s fighting spirit & never say die attitude in his ongoing recovery. But that might just be me. Either way, this was absolutely terrific & easily one of my favourite Pro Wrestling matches this year!
I loved this so much! No Fear!!
ENJOY!!!
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